Berrien deputies warn of phone scams

Senior citizens targeted by efforts to gain financial information.

Senior citizens targeted by efforts to gain financial information.

August 31, 2006|Tribune Staff Report

The Berrien County Sheriff's Department has received numerous reports of telephone scams involving attempts to obtain personal financial information from senior citizens. According to the complaints, a woman is calling seniors and posing as someone from their bank, a news release said. She then reportedly asks for their account numbers in order to change them. Also, some area residents are receiving calls from the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) or the State Police asking for donations. The Michigan State Police do not call and ask for donations. The local FOPs or deputies associations in Berrien County will have events such as large trash bag sales, or Country Western Shows to raise funds. However, these events will be listed in the paper and can be checked out with those local organizations. Here are some tips to protect your financial assets: